Circuit Racing: War at Bushy Park

I can just imagine how lonely a place the circuit at Bushy Park is at present. But 2 Sundays ago it was the scene of a magnanimous battle that would make Napoleon’s Waterloo seem like a fist fight.

We are at war in the Caribbean. Our version is dubbed the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. At the first Round on Jamaican soil, David ‘King’ Summerbell and Peter Rae gave the visitors an ass whopping. Summerbell grabbed maximum points and Peter Rae led the 2wd class. We would have been greedy if we had asked for more.

So the Bajans and Guyanese soldiers left the battle field in a discombobulated state, not certain which flight to take home. For Round 2 the Bajans had a plan. The trap was laid and thanks to a magnificent promotional campaign, the circuit at Bushy Park was packed with 30,000 gear heads.

His Hotness

The drivers and their machines were known to one and all and the stage was set for epic battles. Roger ‘His Hotness’ Mayers, Barry Mayers and company were appointed executioners of the Jamaican contingent.

Race 1 saw ‘His Hotness’ living up to his billing and as I watched his Ford Focus rip around the go-kart track, I couldn’t help but be concerned. I have no doubt that it is an awesome car, but the gremlins within were uneasy and they made their presence known. It had only 1 shot at glory.

When ‘His Hotness’ jumped off the war-bus, Barry stepped up. He drove away with the two remaining races. I have seen a photo showing a jumping Barry Mayers. He was obviously elated and he had every reason to be. To win 2 races in such a competitive field is not an easy feat.

Where was the ‘King’ and the rest of Team Jamaica in all of this? The ‘King’ is as sly as a fox. Summerbell went about his business quietly – 3rd in race 1, 2nd in race 2 and 3rd in race three, earning a total points haul after two rounds of 56 and emerging as the undisputed leader.

Doug Gore rebounded at Round 2. At Bushy Park he snatched valuable team points as he drove through the pack and secured 6th, 3rd and 5th place finishes, bagging 20 points.

Peter Rae is the comeback kid. His consistency bore fruit as he revved up 16 points at Bushy Park and is sitting 3rd overall, with 34 points, ahead of everyone from Barbados and Guyana except Kevin Jeffery.

Halequin Rodney aboard his ‘Money bike’ faced the music without fear. He rode well and gained a few fans in the process.

The ‘King’ still leads the championship and Team Jamaica is second, only 6 points behind Guyana. Lesson to be learnt – a championship is not won at one round. A word to the opposition – recognize greatness when you see it. Big up – ‘King’ David, ‘Hollywood’ Gore, Peter ‘Zoom Zoom’ Rae and Halequin Rodney. You have made us proud!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer